Official Fall Greetings Everybody!
Boy oh boy, the colors of the old trees in Midtown Memphis are coming alive. I’m crazy about these trees!
Of course the seasons don’t change so noticeably everywhere, and south of the equator you’re slipping into spring. Wherever you are I pray you’re held in some kind of good love and appreciating the changing light.
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CONTENTS of This Newsletter
1. Off to Maryland to record (and play) with The Sherpas
2. Writing retreat on Crete next summer (teaching)
3. Ireland dates (and routes) 2022 and 2023
4. Blue Rock Christmas album now shipping!
5. TK Poem of the Month: “When I Left Memphis”
6. Recommended: New album from Craig Carothers
6. Food for Thought: Ellen Hinsley on the true power of poetry
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1. New Sherpas project (plus 2 live shows)
Tom Prasada-Rao, Michael Lille and I head into TPR’s Maryland studio NEXT WEEK to record all new material. Needless to say, we’re excited.
And while we’re together we’re going to play a couple of nearby dates… in Gaithersburg and Havre de Grace.
Sherpas Gaithersburg show:
What: Focus Music presents The Sherpas (Tom Prasada-Rao, Michael Lilleand Tom Kimmel)
Where: Island Pride Oasis, 617 S. Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
When: Saturday November 6, 2021 7:30-9:00pm EDT
For more: Click HERE
and…
Sherpas Havre de Grace show:
What: The State Theater of Havre de Grace
...presents The Sherpas
Where: 325 St John Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
When: Sunday, November 7, 2021
Doors open at 5pm, Show begins at 6pm *EST
*NOTE: Time change from EDT to EST early on the day of show
—Food by Laurrapin Grille and Full Bar available for purchase
Tickets $20 pre-sale, $25 at the door. For tickets, click HERE.
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2. Writing retreat on Crete next summer (July 11-18, 2022)
I’m excited to be invited to teach again in Lendas, Crete—my third opportunity to share a workshop in Greece with talented Swedish artist Eva Hillered. The little town of Lendas is a magical setting over the Mediterranean, and the community of writers the retreats attract are the brightest of spirits.
Details coming soon...
For inquiries now:
Email Eva from her artist site HERE . (See Kontakt and E-Post at lower left of her web page to email her).
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3. Ireland 2022 and 2023
2022: Counties Mayo, Galway and Clare
Next summer my Inishfree Tour will run Friday, July 22 to Monday, August 1 (2022).
We’ll explore Counties Mayo, Galway and Clare—one of my favorite routes along Ireland's amazing west coast.
I’ve just learned there are several seats still open. For reservations or to learn more about the tour company and the tours, click HERE.
For more about my particular 2022 tour, click my Ireland page HERE or the Inishfree page HERE.
2023: Counties Dublin, Waterford and Clare
So this tour will give us a taste of Irish city color and a long drink of country culture and beauty, with great music at all stops. I’m very excited about this one.
It’s a little early for reservations for 2023, but if you’re interested you can email me at ireland(at)tomkimmel(dot)com, and we’ll make sure you’re on our first-call list for 2023.
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4. A Very Blue Rock Christmas, Vol. 2
…features yours truly singing "Blue Christmas" and the Sherpas performing "One Heart"
Also featured on the record: an all-start cast with Grace Pettis, David Wilcox, Walt & Tina Wilkins, Blue Rock maestro Billy Crockett and other fine artists.
Now shipping. To order (or read more about it), click HERE.
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5. TK Poem of the Month
When I Left Memphis
When I left Memphis
I was three years old
But I came back home today
To a room six blocks
From my sister’s house
And a mile from my father’s grave.
And I haven’t been yet
To the graveside
But it’s there by the side of the road
And it waits for me ever so patiently.
It knows what it knows what it knows.
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6. Recommended: “39 Pink Flamingos” by Craig Carothers
Old friend Carothers has long been an inspiration. He's the consummate writer/artist/producer, and his infectious grooves and dark poetry draw you in deep.
Visit Craig's website HERE.
Stream the album at Apple Music, Tidal, Pandora, YouTube Music or Amazon Music.
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7. Food for Thought: Ellen Hinsley on the true power of poetry
"Contrary to a generally held view, poetry is a very powerful tool because poetry is the conscience of a society…. No individual poem can stop a war…. But poetry is an independent ambassador for conscience. It answers to no one, it crosses borders without a passport, and it speaks the truth."
—Ellen Hinsey (b. 1960), poet
...From an interview with Poetry Magazine. (Thanks to Writers Almanac.)
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Till next time, Maximum Peace, Love and Understanding,
TK